Police probe into spate of catalytic converter thefts in Dorset after hot pursuit on A350

Dorset Police have shared a police appeal from neighbouring force Wiltshire Police, who are asking the public to come forward with any information - amid launching an investigation into a group they believe to be behind a spate of catalytic converter thefts in Wiltshire and Dorset.

On Monday, pursuing officers chased after a silver BMW saloon on the A350 - before the group abandoned the car and set it alight at East Knoyle, according to police.

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A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "We're appealing for drivers who may have captured dash cam footage on the A350 - after a group thought to be behind a spate of catalytic converter thefts were forced to flee from pursuing officers.

"The suspects abandoned their vehicle, a silver BMW saloon, on the A350 at East Knoyle shortly after 3.45am on Monday before setting it alight.

"We were responding to a call from a member of the public who reported a suspected catalytic converter theft taking place in Tisbury at around 2am Monday morning,

"Shortly afterwards, officers spotted a vehicle matching the description given as it drove through the Mere area. The BMW failed to stop and made off at speed, and was later abandoned and burnt out.

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According to police the suspects are also thought to have been committing offences in the Dorset and Avon Somerset areas.

Inspector Pete Sparrow said: "We are aware of the growing number of incidents of people attempting to steal catalytic converters from vehicles in our area and have increased patrols in response to this.

"Although we did not make any arrests on this occasion - we have certainly stopped them in their tracks.

"With the help of our colleagues in neighbouring force areas and our extensive intelligence resources, we are determined to crack down on these criminals and disrupt them at every turn.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have been driving on the A350 in East Knoyle early this morning who may have recorded dash cam footage that could help us. This is a remote area and footage from the time could help identify a second vehicle which we assume must have picked up the offenders.

"Our enquiries continue."

Anyone with information that can help identify those responsible should call us on 101 quoting log 26 of May 24.

Alternative, contact Crimstoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.